Introduction
A vibrant tech scene has breathed new life into the city by the bay. A paradise for foodies, hipsters and hippies, this hilly metropolis also has a spectacular setting, with water on three sides. However, you'll want to skip the touristy Fisherman's Wharf to feel the authentic multicultural pulse.
More from San Francisco PDF VersionEssentials
- Even the sunniest days can end in a blanket of chilling fog so don’t forget a jacket, especially after 16.00.
- The hippest areas are also ground zero for tech start-ups: the Mission district, SoMa and the Dogpatch.
- Take in a baseball game. The San Francisco Giants baseball park is in a class of its own, with a convenient downtown location and views of the Bay Bridge.
- Stroll through Golden Gate Park or drive across the Golden Gate Bridge for a hike through Muir Woods' giant sequoias.
- Don't forget the rest of the Bay Area, especially picturesque Sausalito and ultra-liberal Berkeley.
Two-hour tour
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The nearby California Academy of Sciences — A natural-history museum, planetarium and aquarium all in one, topped with a “living” roof.
55 Music Concourse Drive
+1 415 379 8000
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Golden Gate Park
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Hotels
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Hotel Vitale
8 Mission Street
+1 415 278 3700
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W Hotel
181 Third Street
+1 415 777 5300
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Mandarin Oriental
222 Sansome Street
+1 415 276 9888
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Dining
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Ferry Building Marketplace — Try the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street or call in at various merchants.
1 Ferry Building
+1 415 983 8030
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Vitrine
4F, St Regis Hotel, 125 Third Street
+1 415 284 4049
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Four Barrel
375 Valencia Street
+1 415 252 0800
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Slanted Door
1 Ferry Building #3
+1 415 861 8032
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Ame Restaurant
689 Mission Street
+1 415 284 4040
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Tadich Grill
240 California Street
+1 415 391 1849
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Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero Street
+1 415 487 2600
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Alembic
1725 Haight Street
+1 415 666 0822
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Beretta
1199 Valencia Street
+1 415 695 1199
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Mission Chinese
2234 Mission Street
+1 415 863 2800
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Spruce
3640 Sacramento Street
+1 415 931 5100
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Smuggler's Cove
650 Gough Street
+1 415 869 1900
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Bourbon & Branch — A modern “speakeasy”; visit the website for the password.
501 Jones Street
+1 415 346 1735
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Comstock Saloon
155 Columbus Avenue
+1 415 617 0071
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Reading
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Fog City News
455 Market Street
+1 415 543 7400
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City Lights Bookstore
261 Columbus Avenue
+ 1 415 362 8193
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Shopping
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Chronicle Books
165 Fourth Street
+1 415 369 6271
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Neiman Marcus
150 Stockton Street
+1 415 362 3900
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Paxton Gate's Curiosities for Kids
766 Valencia Street
+1 415 252 9990
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A customised scent from Yosh Olfactory Sense — Four locations around the city; visits are by appointment only.
+1 415 645 7456
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A bottle of wine from Plumpjack
3201 Fillmore Street
+1 415 346 9870
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Transport
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Buy a pass — One, three, or seven-day Muni Passports – $14 (€10.70), $22 (€16.90) and $28 (€21.50) offer unlimited rides, including cable cars.
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Transport — With scant parking and hills aplenty, San Francisco’s better travelled on a bus, vintage trolley or cable car.
Limousine/car
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Green Cab — Specify that you want a green cab.
+1 415 626 4733
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Nationwide
+ 1 800 339 8936
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Fitness
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Equinox
301 Pine Street
+1 415 593 4000
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Golden Gate Park's inner route